Metal Halide Fixture

gdwb10101 · 07-21-2006, 09:45 AM

I would like to upgrade my lighting to MH, but don't really want to spend the money (like everyone i presume). I was wondering whether it is plausible to buy two 150W ballasts and make a canopy for the unit. I don't know much about lighting, but was hoping someone could respond who know more about lighting.

I was looking at this website and wondering if it would be enough to support my 55g tank. Thanks

http://www.elights.com/methalbal175.html

harif87 · 07-21-2006, 10:14 AM

Well if your going to keep soft corals it should be enough but i dont know if it would do for hard corals. Also you might want to supplement the MH with some flourescent actinics since its better for the corals and fish.

gdwb10101 · 07-21-2006, 12:29 PM

but is that all that is needed for making the MH fixture? Or do i have to buy something in addition to the two ballasts? And will these ballasts be able to support the MH bulbs that are used in most aquariums?

**Damon** · 07-21-2006, 01:00 PM

Thats just a ballast. You still need a hood, end for plugging the bulb into, a good reflector and I'm sure other parts such as fans for cooling. It would be easier and cheaper to spend the cpl of hundred dollars to buy a retrofit kit or look for used ones on ebay and the such.

**Fishfirst** · 07-22-2006, 10:03 AM

yep... the metal halides will need the ballast, the socket, the wiring, reflector, and the bulb.

07-21-2006, 09:45 AM	#1
gdwb10101 Newblit Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Miami Age: 19 Posts: 251	Metal Halide Fixture I would like to upgrade my lighting to MH, but don't really want to spend the money (like everyone i presume). I was wondering whether it is plausible to buy two 150W ballasts and make a canopy for the unit. I don't know much about lighting, but was hoping someone could respond who know more about lighting. I was looking at this website and wondering if it would be enough to support my 55g tank. Thanks http://www.elights.com/methalbal175.html __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb-2X8l49uQ

07-21-2006, 10:14 AM	#2
harif87 Minor Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Age: 21 Posts: 996	Well if your going to keep soft corals it should be enough but i dont know if it would do for hard corals. Also you might want to supplement the MH with some flourescent actinics since its better for the corals and fish. __________________ sorry for beating you senseless "The human torch was denied a bank loan"

07-21-2006, 12:29 PM	#3
gdwb10101 Newblit Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Miami Age: 19 Posts: 251	but is that all that is needed for making the MH fixture? Or do i have to buy something in addition to the two ballasts? And will these ballasts be able to support the MH bulbs that are used in most aquariums? __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb-2X8l49uQ

07-21-2006, 01:00 PM	#4
Damon Aquatic Naturalist Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Dayton, Ohio Age: 32 Posts: 14,982	Thats just a ballast. You still need a hood, end for plugging the bulb into, a good reflector and I'm sure other parts such as fans for cooling. It would be easier and cheaper to spend the cpl of hundred dollars to buy a retrofit kit or look for used ones on ebay and the such. __________________ For in much wisdom [is] much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Member of the AGA (Aquatic Gardner's Association) Member of the IBC (International Betta Congress)

07-22-2006, 10:03 AM	#5
Fishfirst Fish Guru Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Northern Wisconsin Age: 24 Posts: 3,541	yep... the metal halides will need the ballast, the socket, the wiring, reflector, and the bulb. __________________ 210 Gal Reef w/ 55 Gallon Sump/Fuge, 125 Gal Fish Only, 65 Gal Seahorse-29 Gallon Sump, 55 Gal FOWLR, 54 Gal Corner FW Community, 20 Gal Nano FOWLR, 55 Gal Piranha, 29 gallon QT "All the yellow tangs and clownfish in the world can't save you now! hahahah" Peter from Family Guy

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